FORT MYERS- The sale of six gold coins has helped The Salvation Army come very close to reaching its 2010 red kettle goal.  All nine gold coins donated to the organization were on display at the Fort Myers Coin Show Saturday.  Sealed envelopes which contained bids were opened today. 

 Six of the nine received bids and sold for a total of $12,676, bringing the amount raised during the kettle campaign to nearly $548,000.  With three coins left to sell The Salvation Army is confident it will meet its goal of $550,000. 

Most of the coins were purchased at their estimated worth, which varies based on the price of gold.   However one of the coins sold for nearly four times its value.   

For the past six years, an anonymous donor has dropped a 1920 Liberty Gold Eagle coin into one of The Salvation Army’s red kettles.  It has always been attached to a note that reads “In loving memory of Mimi.”  The “Mimi” coin was purchased for $5526.  All of the buyers wish to remain anonymous. 

“We are so touched by the generosity of those that purchased the coins,” says Major Tom Louden.  “And of course none of this would even have been possible if weren’t for the unbelievable compassion and kindness from those that donated the coins to begin with.” 

Monies raised during the red kettle campaign fund the Christmas Cheer Program and help support dozens of other services that are offered year round.